Having a ‘Plan B’

A project to build an underpass on the Great Allegheny Passage near Garrett is falling short in funding by about $500,000.

Brett Hollern, county trail coordinator, said if additional funding isn’t raised, planners will consider a scaled-back version of the project. Not canceling it, merely redesigning the underpass.

A federal transportation enhancement program and the state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources have already awarded grants for the underpass. The entire project cost is estimated at $1.1 million to $1.3 million.

In difficult economic times, projects can’t be fully financed. If there are no grants available from foundations, then the trail planners are correct in scaling back the underpass.

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People will still use the Great Allegheny Passage, regardless of the type of underpass located near Garrett.